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‘Amanaki Mafi, Lopeti Timani fined $15000 for fight in Dunedin

By
Kaniva Staff
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Melbourne Rebels fined ‘Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani $15,000 each for their fight in Dunedin, New Zealand following their 43-37 loss to the Highlanders on Saturday.

On Monday, Japanese international Mafi appeared in Dunedin District Court charged with injuring with intent to injure over an incident in the South Island town of Dunedin.

The 28-year-old entered no plea and was granted bail.

The terms of his bail mean he cannot associate with Timani.

His case has been scheduled to return to court on August 3 — although he won’t have to appear in person.

Rugby Australia will wait until after the court hearing before determining in further action is required.

Police in a statement told foxsports.com.au the victim had received moderate injuries but did not need to be hospitalised.

“The alleged victim … received moderate injuries following the incident,” a NZ Police spokeswoman said.

“He did not require hospitalisation.”

On Tuesday, the Rebels fined the duo the maximum amount for breaking disciplinary protocol.

While it’s understood the Rebels didn’t have a curfew in place following their season defining match, the duo are believed to have been away from their team hotel later than expected.

Rebels ceo Baden Stephenson said the actions of the departing players were unacceptable and tarnished the progress made by the club in turning around their culture.

“Notwithstanding that both Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani were finishing at the Rebels this season and heading overseas to continue their playing careers, it is only appropriate, given the seriousness of the incident, to sanction both players with a significant fine,” Stephenson said.

“Along with the Rebels Board, head coach David Wessels and club management, we have strived this year to re-build a culture which values respect and excellence in everything we do.

“The actions of these two players is totally contrary to our club’s values and has tarnished the excellent work of so many in the club, both on and off the field this season.

“I only hope that both Amanaki and Lopeti genuinely reflect on and learn from this very troubling incident.

“The club has supported both players over recent days and will continue to ensure their wellbeing now and into the future.”

The $30,000 in fines will be donated to the Rugby Victoria Quilt program — an education and participation program designed to use Rugby as the vehicle to prevent domestic violence, create inclusive sport and recreation environments to ensure that both women and children are not only safe, but respected and treated as equals.

Timani, 27, has already signed with French Top 14 club La Rochelle.

He played 12 Tests for the Wallabies, but was troubled by consistency.

Mafi, the 2017 Australian Super Rugby player of the year, is expected to join the Sunwolves ahead of next year’s World Cup in Japan.

–Fox Sports

Mahoni family overseas to attend twin sister’s funeral

By
Kalino Latu
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Members of a Tongan family in New Zealand and Hawai’i will fly to Tonga to attend the funeral of the school girl who died in Tongatapu on Sunday.

As Kaniva reported this week, Hinemoa Mahoni, 12,  died in hospital from serious head injuries after she was hit in By-Pass Road by an overtaking vehicle.

She was a twin and she was a student at ‘Apifo’ou college.

Her uncle Joe Mahoni in Hawai’i told Kaniva news he has sent some money to Tonga to help his older brother ‘Alani prepare his daughter’s funeral.

Joe said his siblings and relatives in New Zealand will be in Tonga during the funeral.

He said a wake will be held for Hinemoa this Friday morning before she will be laid to rest the same day.

Hinemoa was waiting for a bus with other members of her family when the crash happened.

A Popua man had been charged with reckless driving causing death.

It is believed the accused overtook in the face of oncoming traffic before hitting the victim.

Hinemoa is survived by her twin, Losa Mahoni, her parents and six siblings.

Governor refers to ta‘anga composed for Taufa‘āhau as Ha‘apai national anthem  

By
Kalino Latu
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Ha’apai governor Dr Mohenoa Puloka has referred to a well-known lakalaka dance composition as the Ha’apai national anthem.

Dr Puloka made the reference recently when he was speaking at the Ha’apai Educational Day to conclude the celebration of King Tupou VI’s 59th birthday.

It appears this was the first time this had been made public in front of the king.

The composition was composed by late Fe’iloakitau Kaho and it was widely known as Lofia.

The song was adored by the people of Ha’apai, one of the kingdom’s main outer islands. They sang and danced it wherever they were as a show of identity.

Tonga’s official national anthem is ‘E ‘Otua Māfimafi.

Dr Puloka was asked to clarify why he called the song the Ha’apai national anthem.

He said the lakalaka composition and its choreography were mostly performed by Lord Tuita’s kāinga from Tongoleleka.

He said the song was composed to depict how the Ha’apaians longed to see the late King Taufa’āhau, who they regarded as King of Ha’apai after he relocated from Ha’apai to Tongatapu to stay at the Nuku’alofa royal palace.

The relocation was made after the royal proclamation in 1845 that King Taufa’āhau would become king of all Tonga.

Lofia

The song began by addressing Lofia,  who is believed to be a Ha’apai deity, letting him know the Ha’apaians would leave to find the Sacred Pandanus (“Foi Fā Tapu”) a poetical reference to Taufa’āhau.

It said it did not matter if they swam, went by boat or swam free style, they would still go as long as they could arrive in Tongatapu to send the message to the king.

The message was, according to the lyrics, that a historical casuarina tree in Ha’apai known as Tu’uakitau was complaining that he had made himself at home at Toa Ko Ma’afu, another casuarina tree at the royal palace in Nuku’alofa.

According to the composition the Ha’apaians asked the king (“fo’i Kukuvalu”) to not forget them.

They also reminded the king that Tonga’s new constitution, which brought all Tonga under his rule, was declared in Ha’apai after years of war and fight among Taufa’āhau and the Tu’i Tonga warriors.

Historical events 

Dr Puloka also referred to certain events which were attributed to Taufa’ahau during his rule.

He said that in 1831 Taufa’āhau was baptised in his Pulela’a residence in Pangai, Ha’apai by missionary Sione Tōmasi and Taufa’āhau became the first Tongan Christian king in 1845.

In 1834 there was a Pentecostal experience in Utui, Vava’u during a sermon after Taufa’ahau accepted Christianity.

Also there was the offering of Tonga to God in 1839, the Emancipation Edict freeing all commoners from bondage to the chiefs in 1862, the establishment of the Tupou College in 1866 and the promulgation of the Constitution in 1875.

Dr Puloka also referred to the cross which mysteriously appeared on the ground to the east of the Free Wesleyan church in Ha’apai in October 1975, 100 years after Tonga’s constitution was promulgated.

Lofia (Youtube)

Biblical text written to mark 40th anniversary of the appearance of mysterious cross at Pangai

Three arrested as Police investigate three homicides of Waikato men

By
Kaniva Staff
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The suspicious deaths of three Waikato men in the past two weeks have prompted three homicide investigations over the last two weeks in New Zealand.

A 27-year-old man, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

A 49-year-old man has been charged with presenting a firearm at police and unlawful possession of a firearm.

And a 33-year-old man has been charged with breach of release conditions.  All three have been remanded in custody.

Over 60 staff are working on the three homicide investigations which are also being supported by specialist staff from outside of the district.

“These are complex investigations that take time however we are confident that they will be resolved and those responsible will be held to account,” said Superintendent Bruce Bird, Waikato District Commander.

“Across the investigations there are a number of people assisting Police and there are also persons of interest.

Investigations to date indicate that these people have significant links with criminal gangs.”

“As with all investigations we are keeping an open mind on whether the homicides are linked, however inquiries to date lead us to believe the three deaths were targeted individual acts within the gang community,” said Superintendent Bird.

As part of the investigation into the homicide from Friday 13 July three arrests have been made.

“While three homicides in such a short space of time is concerning I would like to reassure the community that Police believe these were targeted attacks and the wider community is safe,” said Superintendent Bird.

Anyone who may have information on any of the three homicides that could assist with the investigations is asked to contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Driver charged over death of schoolgirl in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
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A driver has been charged with causing the death of a 12-year-old schoolgirl who was struck by a passing vehicle in Tongatapu on Saturday.

Hinemoa Mahoni was hit in Bypass Road  and died in hospital yesterday afternoon at about 4pm after suffering serious head injuries.

Mahoni was waiting for a bus with other members of her family when the crash happened.

The Popua man who is charged with causing death by dangerous driving remains in Police custody.

Mahoni was described on social media as “a passionate, spirited individual”.

“Fly high [little] angel …….. First cousin Hinemoa jr Mahoni R.I.P ofa atu,” a commenter wrote.

“Rest in peace [little] angel….I know [you are] in a better place right now,” one wrote.

“R.i.P little princess,” another wrote.

For further information:

Girl dies in hospital after allegedly being hit by passing vehicle in Tongatapu

Governor’s letter demanding connection of water to convicted palagi raises residents’ ire

By
Kalino Latu
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A letter demanding the Pangaimotu town water supply be connected to the home of convicted Australian businessman Ian Jones has upset Vava’u 14 residents.

Jones was convicted on June 20 of illegally dumping human waste  in the mangroves near Pangaimotu.

He was fined TP$1000 and swimming and fishing in the sea near the mangroves has been banned.

Vava’u governor Lord Fakatulolo sent a strongly worded letter, which has been seen by Kaniva News, demanding the Pangaimotu town officer connect water to Jones’ residence.

Lord Fakatulolo said a herd of cows in Pangaimotu had damaged Jone’s water tanks.

He said Jones should have shot the cows.

A senior government officer in Vava’u raised local people’s concerns about the tone of the letter in e-mails sent to government ministers including the Acting Attorney General and some government lawyers.

The officer said some residents felt the tone of the letter refueled their disappointment after Jones dumped human waste.

It is understood the letter was sent on June 1 after the Pangaimotu authority refused to connect water from the island’s main water supply for Mr Jones.

The letter showed Lord Fakatulolo understood the dumping had infuriated the Pangaimotu residents, including people living in Toula, ‘Utungake, ‘Utulei, Talihau and Neiafu, for whom the sea around the mangroves was their only source of livelihood.

The letter greeted the town officer Tinitale Piukala, by saying this letter was to allow Jones to connect his water (“ngofua ke taki e vai ‘a Mr Ian Jones”).

The governor also warned (“fakatokanga”) Piukala that it could paint a bad picture between Tonga and their overseas donors if they knew Jones has been refused water from the island’s water supply.

Lord Fakatulolo also warned the town officer that the matter had been in court and that they should leave it to the court to handle.

He informed Piukala that he had told Jones to buy the necessary equipment so that his water could be connected.

He also told Piukala to charge Jones for any costs incurred for the connection.

“I am asking you and the Pangaimotu Water Committee to connect the palagi man’s water as soon as possible,” Lord Fakatulolo wrote in Tongan.

“I am concerned about our relationship with foreign donors not be affected,” he said.

He said it could be bad for them if overseas donors became aware they were not giving the palagi man water.

For more information

Vava’u residents react with fury at fishing ban as accused free to leave Tonga

Vava’u residents react with fury at fishing ban as accused free to leave Tonga

Mafi in custody following alleged assault of a Tongan teammate

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Melbourne Rebels’ player Amanaki Mafi is in New Zealand Police custody and will face charges following an alleged assault on teammate Lopeti Timani.

The alleged assault occurred on a night out after the Rebels suffered a heartbreaking 43-37 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

That defeat — coupled with the Sharks’ 20-10 win over the Jaguares in Durban on Sunday (AEST) — meant the Rebels missed out on qualifying for the finals for the first time.

A NZ Police spokeswoman told foxsports.com.au on Sunday that a “man has been charged with injuring with intent to injure following an alleged assault in South Dunedin last night.

“The man is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on the 16th July 2018.

“The alleged victim… received moderate injuries following the incident.

“He did not require hospitalisation.

“The pair were known to each other.

“As the matter is now before the court Police are not in a position to comment further.”

The Rebels and Rugby Australia later issued a joint statement on Sunday night.

“Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels are aware of an incident involving Rebels players Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani in Dunedin overnight,” the statement read.

“Both players remain in New Zealand with Mafi currently in Police custody following an altercation between the two players.

“Rugby Australia undertsands that no other players were involved in the incident.

“As it is a Police matter, Rugby Australia, the Melbourne Rebels and the Rugby Union Players Association are unable to make further comment at this time.”

Added a gutted Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson: “I am bitterly disappointed that an incident has occurred at the end of a season where we have taken pride in our on and off field behaviour.

“We will respect the process and won’t be making further comments until all investigations have taken place.”

Mafi and Timani are both off contract with the Rebels at the end of this season and Mafi — a Japan international — was expected to move to the Sunwolves for 2019.

Mafi is an outstanding No 8 who was named Australia’s Super Rugby player of the season in 2017.

He was immense for tournament surprise packet Japan in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and was a major part of coach Jamie Joseph’s plans for the next World Cup on home soil next year.

But it is not the first off field drama for Mafi, who parted ways with English Premiership club Bath suddenly in 2016.

The Bath Chronicle reported that Mafi had an altercation with the club’s head of sports medicine.

The Rebels, who finished ninth of 15 teams in 2018, have lined up Brumbies powerhouse Isi Naisarani as a direct replacement for Mafi next season.

Loose forward/lock Timani, meanwhile, has played 12 Tests for the Wallabies but has not featured for the national team this season and has not been a regular in the Rebels’ starting lineup.

He is set to take up a new contract in France with La Rochelle.

–Foxsports

Tongan passport becomes more powerful in the 2018 Henley Passport Index

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan passport has moved up six places in a global ranking reaching the strongest position it ever has since the Henley Passport Index 13 years history.

The ranking has been released after the Index compared each nation for its ease of travelling around the world.

The Tongan passport is tied with the Marshal Islands’ passport in 41st spot on the list.

The Tongan passport can gain visa-free access to 124 countries.

You can view the list here

However, there were four Pacific island countries with stronger passports than Tonga.

Topping the Pacific islands spots on the 2018 list was Solomon Islands whose residents have access to 130 countries without needing a visa, followed by Samoa and Vanuatu in second position with 129 and Tuvalu in third position with 127 countries.

New Zealand has slipped down two places from being 5th with 172 countries in 2017 while Australia jumped one place up from being at the 7th spot  to 6th  with 183 countries this year.

Japan and Singapore share first place, with easy access to 189 destinations.

This is the first year in the index’s 13-year history that either Japan or Singapore has had the most powerful passport in the world.

Girl dies in hospital after allegedly being hit by passing vehicle in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
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A young girl who was allegedly hit by a passing vehicle yesterday July 14 in Nuku’alofa has died in Vaiola hospital.

Hinemoa Mahoni, 12, was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before she died today.

The details of the road accident and her death had not been officially released.

Fr Leonaitasi Leon Tongia of the Roman Catholic church who was working with patients at the hospital made an emotional Facebook post about Mahoni yesterday.

“One of my patients ,Hinemoa Mahoni, got in a horrible car accident this morning [July] 14 in Halaleva, she is in ICU and she’s not waking up.

“She is still in a coma but she twitches her eyes a little bit and moves her arm she has a trachea tube and I really need some answers.

Fr Tongia said being at the helm of other people especially in a difficult and stressful situation such as having a loved one critically ill in Intensive Care Unit was frustrating.

“It might take you a few days in order to get your head around of what’s being said and what you’ve been told if your loved one is critically ill in Intensive Care,” Fr Tongia wrote.

This afternoon after Mahoni was announced dead Fr Tongia wrote he wanted to thank the Lord for He has given time for them to be with Mahoni.

“I really feel for the loss and I am asking you for your prayers. I want to send my love to the family and the supporters,” he wrote in Tongan.

“May she rest in peace.”

Former Tongan fireman performs CPR, saves stranger’s life in Hawai‘i

By
Kalino Latu
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A former Tongan firefighter is being praised for saving another man’s life by performing CPR in Honolulu, Hawai’i on Tuesday.

Takai Kapeli Takai was trimming trees at the Nimitz Highway when he noticed someone is reaching over a man in a car at a traffic light doing something to his face and on the phone at the same time.

The men were Robyn Preza and his 51-year-old father Ronaldo Preza. Ronaldo was driving Robyn to work at around 10.50am when he allegedly suffered a cardiac arrest.

Takai said he immediately knew something was wrong, so he rushed to help, Honolulu’s Khon2 reported.

The car was at a stop light at Kalihi St when the incident occurred while Takai was on top of a prune truck with some co-workers from Hala Toa Mui Contractors Inc.

“I opened the car and tried to put down the seat for him to lie back and I try do CPR inside,” Takai reportedly said.

Takai was unable to perform CPR with Ronaldo Preza in the car, so he called his co-workers over to help get him out of the car onto the ground.

“I do what I can do until they came. The firefighter came and they took over and then the ambulance came too,” Takai said.

Takai said he didn’t hesitate because he had been a firefighter at Tonga International Airport for seven years before he moved to Hawaii.

“I still have that feeling of saving lives anywhere I go. It only makes sense when you see if you think you can help, you help,” Takai said.

On Thursday afternoon Takai and Robyn shared an emotional hug as Robyn thanked Takai for saving his father’s life.

Robyn’s father went into cardiac arrest. Robyncalled 911, but said he didn’t know CPR.

“I felt helpless. I literally didn’t know what to do to try to save him. I was just calling out for help,” Robyn said.

The Prezas are forever grateful.

“He’s an angel,” said Vicky Preza, Ronaldo Preza’s sister-in-law. “Our family cannot thank him enough, because Ronaldo would not make it to the hospital if it was not for Takai, the company, his friends that helped.”

Vicky Preza said Takai is like family now. He not only helped save Ronaldo Preza’s life, he’s visited him in the hospital every night since the accident.

“He offered my sister help, offered her money, but she didn’t want to accept it. He left it there. That’s how great he is,” Vicky Preza said.

She said seeing what Takai did for her family is a reminder that there is hope.

“I want everybody to know that good people are still out here. We hear a lot of bad news, but there are good people still,” she said.

Ronaldo Preza is still in the hospital.

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